Cynara Festival in Cerda: local excellence honoured and a historic

Cynara Festival in Cerda: celebrating local excellence

A notable ceremony took place in Cerda as part of the Cynara Festival, within the 44th edition of the Cerda Artichoke Fair. The municipal administration presented the “Eccellenze Cerdesi – Premio Cynara” and, for this edition, a special historic recognition.

The historic award was given to Police Coordinator Assistant Chief Francesco La Chiusa for his courageous intervention in rescuing an elderly family from a house fire — an act highlighted for its civic bravery and sense of duty.

Mayor On. Salvatore Geraci also presented commemorative plaques to the 2026 awardees, including:

• Mariele Nicosia – a law student active in cultural and community initiatives;
• Dr. Giandomenico Facella – archaeologist experienced in fieldwork and digital archaeology;
• Marshal Dr. Giuseppe Marraffino – recognized for a life-saving intervention in 2025;
• Infioratrici San Giuseppe Cerda – a group contributing to cultural and religious floral traditions;
• Giovanni Rizzo – a young musician trained in local bands and at the Conservatory.

The Premio Cynara thus reaffirms its role in highlighting local excellence, bringing attention to cultural, civic and professional figures who are landmarks for the Cerda community.